A common beginner's error is to stack multiple adjectival verbs onto the same noun, theorizing that since we can say Bear in the Big Blue House in English, we should be able to say *qach tIn SuD Dabbogh mIl'oD in Klingon.

The solution to the problem:

• Multiple adjectives are believed to be illegal in Klingon grammar; *qach tIn SuD is impossible, as shown in KGT by the usage of SuD 'ej wov for a light yellowish color, rather than SuD wov: SuDbogh Dargh 'ej wovbogh, yellow tea (literally tea that is SuD and which is light).

• One way to cheat somewhat, and basically use two adjectives on one noun, could be to use a noun with an adjectival verb as the head of a relative clause: Doqbogh HIvje' tIn, the big red cup (literally the big cup that is red). Canon provides an analogue using a non-stative verb in the relative clause: yIntaHbogh Soj tlhol raw food which is still alive (SkyBox card 21).

• So there are two possibilities for translating big blue house:

  • The first method, which is canon and sanctioned by KGT, yields SuDbogh qach 'ej tInbogh (or SuDbogh 'ej tInbogh qach), building which is SuD and which is big.

  • The second method, which is not strictly canon but appears to violate no rules, yields SuDbogh qach tIn, big building which is SuD.

This question and answer came from the KLI Wiki.